Page 28 of A Perfect Match
Her eyes narrow."Why would I want to see that?"
"Because it's impressive.And maybe you'd be less of a grump if you saw what I'm trying to build."
“I’m not grumpy,” she snaps.A beat passes."But it’s gotta be quick."
I lead her through the shared back room into my space.I wasn’t gone for too long, but seeing everything with fresh eyes wows me again.Damn, this place is amazing.I can’t hide my smile as I begin pointing things out.
"This is the kitchen, obviously."I lead her across the gleaming tile.
“Cooking already?”
“Just something for dinner.”
She takes a long inhale, and her eyes flutter shut.“Whatcha making?”
“Braised short rib tacos.You want some?”
Her throat bobs.“No, I was just curious.”
I don’t buy it, but now’s not the time to needle her about dinner when it’s not even ready.I point out the prep station, the walk-in fridge, the dish-washing station.Then I lead her through the swinging doors.
"And here’s the dining room.”
She’s quiet for a moment, but I can see her wide eyes taking it all in.“Wow.”
“Did you see it before we started working?”
“No.Mrs.Decker never even talked about this side of the building.As far as I was concerned, it didn’t exist.But now…” She lets out a low whistle, beginning a slow walk across the room.She drags a finger over a tabletop as she passes, her gaze bouncing from exposed beam to framed art to sconce light.“This is incredible.Even without a ‘before’.”
“Thank you.”
“And this bar.”She pauses in front of the bar spanning the far wall of the building.It’s a huge wooden slab, topped with gleaming pennies, and then covered in resin.“How much money did you sink into this bar, literally?”
“Eleven thousand pennies.”
“What a deal.”She looks back at me with a mischievous smile.
I shove my hands into my pockets, watching her admire the place.Seeing her take in all the details sends warmth through my limbs.I don’t know why, but I feel like I’ve known Piper for way longer than I actually have.
“I probably don’t have to show you the patio.Unless you brought muffins you’d like to throw at me again.”She sends me a long look that has me biting back a satisfied grin.“So you approve?”
“I guess all the loud-ass knocking was worth it,” she admits reluctantly.Then something in her stiffens.I can almost see the prickliness sliding back into place."But you're probably just showing me all this to mine me for ideas so you can win the competition."
I laugh."I don't need your help to win."
"Is that right?"The competitive spark in her eyes is back.
"Yeah.And I’ll prove it to you while we brainstorm ideas over dinner."I gesture to the kitchen.I wonder if she can tell how hard my heart is pounding right now.
She looks toward the kitchen doors, drawing a long inhale."I need to get back."But she doesn’t sound convinced.
"Come on.You have to eat."
"You’re right.But I’ve got dinner plans.”
We start walking toward the kitchen.I’m disappointed but trying not to let it show.I want the kisses from last night—and last month—to continue.I’m drawn to Piper, no matter how much she intends to keep her distance from me.
“Will you at least try my braised short ribs?”I check the pan; things have progressed nicely during the tour.I snap the heat off.
